MEMORIES OF THE ANCIENT EARLS OF WARREN AND SURREY, AND THEIR DESCENDANTS TO THE PRESENT TIME (2 Volumes) [Edwards of Halifax Etruscan Binding - Attributed]

Third, Larger Edition. 2 Volumes. 4to. (approx. 29.5 x 24cm/11.75 x 9.75 inches) hardbacks bound in original Etruscan calf by Edwards of Halifax, spines skillfully rebacked during 20th century with raised bands, red morocco title labels, decorative gilt to compartments. Boards with highly ornate borders in gilt and blind-embossed Etruscan style and small floral-wreathed urns to board centres. Gilt dentelles, marbled endpapers and all edges gilt. Vol. I: vi + 304pp. + [6]pp. index and addenda. Vol. II: ii + 245pp. + [10]pp. index and addenda. Illustrated with 53 engraved plates (many by James Basire) including portrait frontispiece of author, large folding genealogical table (with closed tear) and three other folding plates, plus numerous armorial engravings and decorative head and tailpiece vignettes and initials within text. According to Lowndes, most copies lacking two folding plates, one of Earl Warren drawing his sword before the Commissioners of Edward I (mentioned p.251) and the View of Poynton Lodge, Cheshire. This copy lacks the former plate opposite p. 248 but does contain the one of Poynton (Vol. II). It cannot, however, be said to be incomplete as the publishing history of this title is so uncertain and both of these plates may not have been ready to issue when this early, 1782 edition, appeared. Engraved armorial bookplates of Robert Denison to front pastedown of each volume and elegant ink gift inscription (probably contemporary), from Thomas Jaques to Robert Denison to top of early blank in Vol. I. Occasional light offsetting from engravings. Slight ageing to prelims. Very light wear and rubbing to corners otherwise a VERY GOOD SET, BEAUTIFULLY PRINTED AND VERY HANDSOMELY BOUND.